Reflection:

I suspect this passage was cherished by the early Deaconesses for the way Paul recognised women as welcomed and celebrated servants in the work of the Lord. They, like women throughout history, contended with a society that believed women to be of lesser intelligence, value, and social capital than a man. In the face of the daily burden of irrelevance and contempt, the women of Philippians 4 stood as a reminder of their deserved place in gospel work.

Sadly, by virtue of being women, the lives and ministries of ADM’s early Deaconesses were not deemed significant enough to thoroughly document. Where their stories have been swallowed by the obscurity of time, Euodia and Syntyche live on as a testament to God’s esteem of women. An essential half of humankind made in his image, co-workers in and heirs to his kingdom.

I count it a privilege to play my part in ADM’s long history to equip and raise up women to bring the love of Jesus to our broken and hurting world. What would it look like for you to esteem the women God has put in your life?

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, who did receive the service of women, and gave them a place of honour in your church, grant that the women of this land may feel a new power in their lives which will impel them to give themselves, their souls and bodies wholly to your service. Amen.